Now Playing: DIED 8 JAN 2008Topic: Clyde OtisRenowned songwriter and producer Clyde Otis was pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital on January 8, 2008. He was 83 years old. Best-known for his long and enormously successful collaboration with singer Brook Benton, Clyde Otis was among the most prolific songwriters and producers of the post-war era, making music business history as the first African American A&R executive for a major label.